After 0-2 Start, Crespi's Soccer Team Looks to Turn Things Around

Crespi High's playoff hopes have not been deterred despite a slow start, as the Celts (0-2) have opened with losses to Canyon and Taft.

"The team still needs to mesh together better. We are still young in a lot of ways and need to mature as a team," coach Rob Kodama said.

Added senior standout Chip Dapello: "The leadership needs to fall into place." 

The Celts played hard in both losses and each one has been a learning experience. 

"The team preseason goals are to be ready for league.  We must finish first or second in league to have the right draw for a deep playoff run," Dapello said. "We need to gain experience by learning to play together. Knowing my teammates' tendencies makes it easier to play with them."

As the Celts look to develop leaders, this weekend may help guide them on the right path. The team looks forward to display their talents this weekend in the Soccer Town Showcase in the Santa Barbara. UCSB and San Marcos High School have joined forces to create the Soccer Town Showcase, an event that brings 54 of California's best high school teams to Santa Barbara to compete with each other and attend the College Cup. The Celts face Rio Mesa on today at Carpinteria High. On Saturday, they will play Central East Fresno at Cate School, then play Newbury Park at Dos Pueblos High in Goleta. 

A showcase in San Diego helped propel Dapello's college prospects with San Francisco State and Chico State.

"The showcase will provide a chance for them to see what is out there besides the Mission League. They get to play in front of college coaches," Dapello said. "For me I got a great look at a showcase in San Diego."